The buzzer hasn’t sounded on Carmelo Anthony’s basketball career just yet.
The 36-year-old forward is ready to re-join the Trail Blazers next season after a strong run with the team.
Anthony sat out more than a year after unsuccessful stops in Houston and Oklahoma City, but he found his rhythm in Portland.
“I’ll be right back in the fray of things when next season comes,” said Anthony.
The Trail Blazers fell to the Lakers 4-1 in the first round with a 131-122 Game 5 loss Saturday.
Much respect, @trailblazers 🤝 pic.twitter.com/VYiiLnIPPY
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 30, 2020
It was no surprise to Anthony that he had a successful return.
The first-year Blazer averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season, and he’d like to do it again in the same uniform.
“I pray that it can be Portland, I think I found a home in Portland,” Anthony said after scoring 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting in 40 minutes Saturday against the Lakers.
"I pray that it can be Portland, I think I found a home in Portland"
Carmelo Anthony leaving no doubt that he wants to play again next season and he wants it to be with the Trail Blazers
#RipCity pic.twitter.com/0zxQg4oHW5
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) August 30, 2020
“I think you [media] saw it, why this is a good fit for me. Whenever you find a situation that’s comfortable and allows you to be who you are, you want to stay in that situation. There’s no need to try different things when something is working.”
LeBron James, who has competed against Anthony since high school, tweeted his support.
FACTS!!!! And proud as hell of my brother @carmeloanthony doing what he did on his return!! 🙏🏾✊🏾 https://t.co/D169bP6UFY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2020
Anthony’s got good reviews from his team as well.
“I feel very honored to have been able to coach him,” said head coach Terry Stotts. “He’s a Hall of Fame player, and he’s a Hall of Fame guy.”
Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum added that Anthony was “fantastic.”
Here’s hoping Melo is back in Rip City next year.